Internal issues behind Pakistan's collapse

Babar recently stepped down as white-ball captain voluntarily

KARACHI:

The Pakistan cricket team's ongoing poor performance has left fans and experts puzzled, but emerging details suggest internal issues are at the heart of their collapse. According to reliable sources, many players are prioritizing personal gains over team success.

The team, which has been stuck in a cycle of defeats, is reportedly plagued by a lack of unity and individualistic mindsets. Insiders have disclosed to "Cricket Pakistan" that the situation within the national squad is dire.

"The players are more focused on securing their own positions rather than thinking about the team's performance," said a source close to the team.

Further concerns have been raised about the Pakistan Cricket Board's (PCB) player development approach. The PCB officials have been led to believe that there is a shortage of new talent in the country, which has resulted in a reliance on existing players—despite evidence suggesting that this perception is not accurate. Compounding this, the team's fitness standards have plummeted, with multiple players failing to meet basic requirements.

Before a match in Multan, middle-order batter Saud Shakeel barely passed his fitness test. The benchmark for the 2-kilometer run is a score of 30, requiring players to complete five laps of the ground in under eight minutes, but several squad members failed.

Additionally, Imam-ul-Haq's recent exclusion from the squad is reportedly linked to a confidential report by former team director Mohammad Hafeez, which accused Imam of leaking sensitive information to the media.

Captaincy issues are also in the spotlight, with team sources highlighting Babar Azam's struggles. His body language on the field has been described as concerning, and his batting form has dipped significantly during the ongoing World Cup. Babar, under visible mental strain, recently stepped down as captain voluntarily, further raising concerns about his focus and leadership in high-pressure situations.

It is important to highlight that Pakistan's Test captain, Shan Masood, has yet to secure a professional captaincy record. His inaugural assignment was a three-match Test series against Australia, which the national team lost 3-0. Following that, he faced Bangladesh in a two-match home Test series, resulting in a historic whitewash for Pakistan against the Bengal Tigers.

Most recently, Masood led the team in the opening Test of a three-match series against England, where they also suffered defeat. The second Test is set to take place at the same venue from October 15-19.

Fitness test

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has decided to conduct fitness tests for four national team players ahead of the second Test match against England, set to begin in Multan on October 15.

According to sources, Kamran Ghulam, Zahid Mahmood, Imam-ul-Haq, and Nauman Ali have been summoned to Multan for these fitness evaluations, which are expected to take place today.

Prior to the series opener, Nauman and Zahid were released from the squad for the first Test due to their inability to meet the required fitness standards.

Additionally, sources reveal that spinner Abrar Ahmed, who has been ruled out of the second Test, remains under medical care in a hospital.

It is worth noting that England defeated Pakistan by an innings and 47 runs in the first Test at Multan. Pakistan, starting at 152/6, were bowled out for 220, with Salman Ali Agha top-scoring (63). Jack Leach took 4 wickets for England, while Aamir Jamal remained unbeaten on 55. The second Test is crucial for Pakistan, as they aim to bounce back after a defeat in the first Test, which has given England a 1-0 lead in the series.